Image credit: Patrick Semansky/AP Photo

First Lady Michelle Obama today offered condolences to the city of Boston, speaking publicly about the bombings that shocked the city and the nation.

Speaking at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., at a signing ceremony for a Maryland bill to provide jobs for veterans, the first lady spoke briefly about the Boston marathon attacks ahead of her trip with the president to Boston on Thursday.

"Before we get started, I want to take a moment to say that our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Boston," the first lady said. "My husband continues to monitor the situation and he has directed the full resources of the federal government to assist state and local authorities as they investigate this horrific act."

On Thursday the president will speak at an interfaith memorial service for victims of the bombings that killed three people, injuring at least 170 others.

"What happened on Monday was a reminder that in times of crisis, here in America we respond with courage, and grit, and selflessness," Michelle Obama said. "That's what we saw from the people of Boston, and from all those who rushed to the aid of the victims, especially the police officers, firefighters, first responders, and our men and women in uniform. … That is the spirit of Boston and it's the spirit of this country."